'Flattered' Lewis rules out return

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has announced he has no plans to come out of retirement for a one-off fight with old foe Vitali Klitschko.

Reports surfaced yesterday claiming the former undisputed champion was back in training for a rematch with his one-time nemesis, who recently confirmed his return to the ring from injury.

However Lewis told his website, lennoxlewis.com: “Although I’m flattered that the boxing community is eager to have me back in the ring, I have no plans to return.

“I have no idea how these rumours get started, but I’m a man of my word – I will remain retired.”

Speculation about a possible return led to suggestions the 41-year-old pugilist may be running short on money.

But Lewis countered: “I’m happy with my life and I don’t need to chase a big payday.

“I’m enjoying commentating for HBO and I’m keeping busy with business ventures and fatherhood.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished as champion and confident that my legacy will remain intact.”

The “legacy” which Lewis refers to is his standing as one of only three world heavyweight champions – alongside Rocky Marciano and Gene Tunney – to retire with his title intact.

The possibility of Lewis’ return brought a buzz to the heavyweight division this weekend which has been lacking excitement and quality since his retirement in February 2004.

Klitschko recently announced his own comeback and is expected to go immediately into a challenge for his old WBC title against the current champion, Oleg Maskaev.

When he quit due to a knee injury in November 2005, Klitschko said: “I will only come back if Lennox Lewis does the same and agrees to fight me. Lennox is the only competitor who matters to me.”

But Lewis now moved to comprehensively deny any possibility of him stepping back between the ropes.

Promoter Bob Arum had reportedly claimed 41-year-old Lewis, who last fought against Klitschko in 2003, was already back in training and had discussed a comeback with officials of American pay-per-view network Home Box Office.